Subscriber-Exclusive Appetizers

I love fresh strawberries, and I try to enjoy as many as possible during the season. Because so many strawberry recipes are quite sweet, I wanted to start the meal with something savory, so I came up with strawberries, cheese and good bread.

It's hard to resist a crescent roll, bacon and cream cheese in one bite! Kids, friends, everyone always scarf these down. Now I bake a double batch whenever we have a get-together. —Krista Munson, Sharpsburg, Kentucky

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“I love throwing themed get-togethers. This appetizer was the hit of 'Mediterranean Night.' The fresh garden flavors in the tomatoey salsa are outstanding with a crusty, chewy baguette.“ —Jodie Gharbi, San Antonio, Texas

This hearty cheesy dip is so yummy that even those who don't enjoy venison will dig right in. "My grandsons put it in a bowl and eat it with a spoon!" writes Karen Smith of Mackinaw, Illinois. "I double or triple the recipe to make sure I have enough."

I think these appetizers are better than full-size fish tacos I’ve had as an entree. Enjoy the creamy salsa drizzle not only on these bites, but also on other Mexican dishes. —Carmell Childs, Ferron, Utah

This festive pizza requires only four ready-to-use ingredients, so it can be assembled in no time. Kids will get a charge out of adding the cheese stars and stripes to the red "flag." —Flo Burtnett, Gage, Oklahoma

Ring in the holiday season with these tender bell-shaped bites from our Test Kitchen home economists. they used cookie cutters and whole chive "hangers" to from the warm and appetizing ornaments, which get a slight kick from red pepper flakes.

An eye-catching eggplant penguin is sure to encourage guests to sample the colorful appetizer. The dapper fellow watches over a platter of fresh vegetables and a creamy dip flecked with crunchy bits of green and sweet red pepper.